The European Union should use the election of Dmitry Medvedev as Russia's next president as a chance for a fresh start in relations, the foreign ministers of Germany, Britain and Sweden said on Friday. Medvedev, elected earlier this month, will take over on May 7 from Vladimir Putin, with whom Europe has often had a rocky relationship despite its dependence on Russian energy.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted that Medvedev had spoken of wanting to develop the rule of law, civil rights and the market economy, key EU values around which the 27-member bloc wants to forge a new understanding with Moscow.
"Russia has voted. There will be a new President Medvedev and I believe that is an opportunity that we should use," Steinmeier told reporters as he arrived for a meeting of EU counterparts in the Slovenian town of Brdo. "This is an important moment for the European relations with Russia," said British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, whose country has seen ties with Russia sour over Russia's refusal to extradite an ex-KGB agent wanted for trial for murder in London.
"There is a potential for partnership that is the partnership of equals, not the partnership of on the one hand the supplicant and on the other hand someone in the dominating position," said Miliband, stressing the Russian economy needed European demand just as Europe needed its energy. Sweden's Carl Bildt voiced optimism of better ties under Medvedev but added: "Certain of the things he's said recently are things we should listen to and see if deeds follow word EU President Slovenia wants the ministers to agree a common line for the EU's first summit with Medvedev in Siberia in June.
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